The war between Ukraine and Russia continues after almost a year, with no clear signs of submission on either side of the conflict. Ukrainian forces have heroically resisted the Russian invasion. Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Canada, and many more are providing millions of dollars in aid to the Ukrainian cause. During this conflict, we have seen several American-made trucks play a role in the resistance. This Ford pickup was recently used to launch missiles.
Ukrainian army uses Ford trucks to fight for freedom
motor trend claims that the Ukrainian military installed a missile launcher in the bed of a Ford F-150 Raptor. Many countries have donated vehicles to Ukraine to help the country resist the Russian invasion, so this is not the first time an American vehicle has been used to fight for Ukraine’s freedom, and it won’t be the last.
According to Statista, the United States has sent more than $27 billion in aid to Ukraine this year so far. Ford has donated trucks to help Ukraine (Ford Rangers). The Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the automaker’s most expensive and capable offerings, so to hear that it was actually used by the Ukrainian military on the battlefield is surprising and exciting.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is designed for unique conditions
The folks at Blue Oval didn’t have any sort of freedom-fighting effort in mind when they first designed the F-150 Raptor, but if there’s a Ford truck that can withstand the harsh conditions of war, it’s the Raptor. The Ford F-150 Raptor is an off-road truck built to conquer rough terrain like sand, snow and even rocks.
It has an upgraded suspension, all-terrain tires and a powerful engine. All model years of the F-150 Raptor are more capable than the average production full-size pickup truck.
Should You Get a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor?
The Ford F-150 may be America’s favorite pickup truck, but the F-150 Raptor is much more elusive than lower trim levels. The Raptor has historically been expensive, and rightly so, considering all of its standard features.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor starts at $76,775. That’s $42,190 more than the base model 2023 Ford F-150 XL. The F-150 Raptor comes standard with FOX Live Valve internal bypass shocks, a five-link rear suspension with a Panhard rod, and a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. It makes 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque (using premium fuel).
The off-road truck includes heavy-duty front and engine skid plates, BF Goodrich off-road tires and a 400-watt power outlet. It also features a 360-degree camera package, trailer reverse guidance, and post-collision braking.
The 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor is impressive, but the average American driver probably doesn’t need a truck this capable. The Raptor is made for the off-road enthusiast who can put the full-size truck’s unique features to good use. Its 13 combined miles per gallon tells you everything you need to know about using the truck as a daily driver.